2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, offering a toned-down design that appealed to those who found previous Lexus designs too bold. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet available.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner represented an evolution rather than a complete redesign. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles of its predecessor but with a bulkier, more industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. The design paid homage to previous generations, with features like the slanted rearmost window, while maintaining a modern touch. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Tacoma pickup truck, offering a purposeful and relatively comfortable cabin with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension that provided a comfortable ride and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, although the brake pedal felt too soft.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The standard 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside than its predecessor and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and steering. It offered eight distinct packages with varying off-road capabilities, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models being the most capable.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings of Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. It featured numerous storage slots, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with minimal gains in passenger space. The front seats offered ample room, but the middle row had limited legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit was well-organized, with controls designed for ease of use, even with gloves. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs, camera views, and a locking rear differential. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Executive packages included a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system was available.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models featured external camera views and on-screen menus for inclination and tilt information. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable centre speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function allowed phone-based access.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, though it could be intrusive. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be disabled if intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma pickup truck, on which the 4Runner was based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.